Battery Load Test
CAUTION:
Do not carry out this test if the battery voltage is below 12.5 volts. Do not carry out this test for longer than 15 seconds or damage to the battery may occur.
NOTE:
It is recommended that the battery is removed from the vehicle when carrying out a battery load test. It is essential that the battery is fully charged prior to testing. Make sure that the high rate discharge tester is capable of applying a load of 300 amps to the battery.
The purpose of the battery test is to ensure that the battery is in a satisfactory condition for service. This is a severe test for the battery and generally indicates the ability of the battery to perform under heavy loads. It will determine if the battery can perform under such loads that it may have to deal with when starting in cold conditions for example. Testing should be carried out at a room temperature of 70°F (20°C). See TEMPERATURE/MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE VOLTAGE table for acceptable test results under different temperature conditions. Testing below 40°F (4°C) is not recommended.
- Connect the high rate discharge tester to the battery.
- Observe and record the voltage reading of the battery.
- Set the current to 300 amps for new batteries or 210 amps for in service batteries.
- Turn the switch ON for 15 seconds.
- Voltage should read 9.6 volts or greater throughout the 15 second test period.
- Turn the switch to the off position.
TEMPERATURE/MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE VOLTAGE
| Temperature - °F (°C) | Minimum Accepted Voltage |
|---|---|
| 70 (20) | 9.6 |
| 60 (15) | 9.5 |
| 50 (10) | 9.4 |
| 40 (4) | 9.3 |